Kidnapped?

That middle-aged man noticed Jack's gaze and smiled. "Let me guess, you were wanting to see this?"

"I mean, who wouldn't," joked Jack, glancing back at the peak-tier spellbook.

"I'm about to purchase it, but I don't mind if you check it out. In fact, you can have it, but I'd like to chat with you in private first," said the man.

Jack gave him a strange look. "Are you serious?"

"Completely. But your wives and the others can't know about this, Jack."

With a serious face, Jack stared at the man. He knew that this mysterious man would only recognize him if he had been informed by someone.

"Who told you?"

"I'll tell you when we're alone. Come," the man replied, turning toward the front desk to purchase the spell for almost thirty thousand gold. "What are you waiting for? If you don't hurry, they'll notice."

Then, the man left the shop without giving Jack another look.